For the past five years now (has it been five?) it’s been my go-to summer staple. I LOVE this combo of fruit, nuts, meat. It’s sweet and salty, and oh-so-delish. I know I could recreate it at home, but it’s just not the same.

I hate the fact that it’s not available year-round, and so I literally await the arrival of this salad each summer. I guess there’s something to be said for waiting for good things … I’m just an impatient gal!

So when my friend (also a huge fan!) posted on Facebook that it was back, we had to go. (We went last week at lunch).

I have always loved Panera, and have somehow been lucky enough to have them close by. When I lived in Silver Spring, Md., there was one within walking distance, and I can’t tell you how often my friends and I would eat there.

I admit, when I began WW, it was a “safe” place for me to go, because I knew the Points values of my favorite things there: whole grain baguette, chicken noodle soup, aforementioned salad, classic cafe with chicken (but with their Asian dressing if the FF raspberry dressing was unavailable).

But now, in addition to that, I love Panera for its consistency. It’s the one “fast-food” place I don’t mind going to because I know I’ll leave having eaten a balanced meal, happily full for under $10. In this economy, that’s a big plus.

And finally, Panera has never really let me down, no matter where in the country I’ve been!

Plain and simple, Panera — and in particular, this salad — rocks my world. If I had an unlimited dining budget, I’d eat this salad every day and not be bored. Really!

How about you? Do you have a favorite at Panera? Is there a seasonal dish you love at another restaurant?

Ahhh – that sounds amazing! I will have to try that. Unfortunately I don’t make salads at home…I just never feel like they taste good. So I love getting them when I go out to eat – it’s such a treat! This is on my list of things to try.

I LOVE Panera’s soups, especially Black Bean. And I recently had a panini (I can’t remember what kind, but it was SO tasty) there, too.